Monday, March 21, 2011

A dismal run before Christmas not only saw Chelsea slip out of the title race but also left last season's Double winners facing the unthinkable of failing to finish in the top four altogether.

But while Carlo Ancelotti's men are yet to regain their scintil Since losing 1-0 at Wolves on January 5, Chelsea have lost just once in all competitions, progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals while boosting their hopes of securing a place in next season's competition. Five wins from their last seven games put the Blues back above fifth-placed Tottenham and they trail City by two points with a game in hand.City's European dream is in tatters, though, as their 1-0 win at home to Dynamo Kiev on Thursday night was not enough to put them into the Europa League quarter-finals. City also have a huge game with derby rivals United to look forward to - an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley next month. But Robert Mancini's men have just three days to recover from that hammer blow in Europe if they are to maintain their fine recent record against Chelsea.